FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The quote you receive from me is transparent and shows everything that is included in the package that you purchase. My package prices start at just $250 which includes: - Pre-session consultation to design the perfect session for you and your furry friends. - A fun and relaxed photo shoot (which usually lasts 60-90 minutes) at a venue of your choice, e.g., your garden, your home or a local park. For indoor shoots, I can bring a portable studio with choice of backdrop, or you can visit my studio in Marshall, VA. - A minimum of 20 images to choose from, displayed in an online gallery and assistance in choosing the right images for your needs. - Full editing of final images before printing. For example, removing leashes, cleaning and brightening eyes or removing bits of fluff. With the advent of social media and digital imaging technology, anyone and everyone can take and share photographs in an instant, but as a professional photographer we don't just TAKE photographs, we MAKE photographs. Your quote reflects the skill and commitment required to ensure perfect results that you are happy with, backed up by my guarantee that if you are unhappy with the results, I will conduct another session with you, free of charge.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Let's chat! A lot can be determined by us having a quick conversation to get to know each other and decide if we are a good fit! After that, you will receive a pre-session questionnaire to complete that will help me design the perfect session just for you. This includes questions like: What does your pet really love to do? Where do they love to sit or play or walk? What are their favorite toys? Do you want to be in the images? I will factor all these considerations into your personalized quote which will be prepared within 24 hours of your initial consultation. I specialize in candid images of your pet in a natural environment, whether it's lounging on a leather sofa, digging in the garden, or running free across fields. We will work together to choose the location(s) that best suit(s) the personality of your pet and the look and feel you want to create. If you would like outdoor shots but don't have the space, I can arrange a private location. Outdoor sessions are best undertaken at the beginning of the day or late in the afternoon, to capture the best of the natural available light, but of course are subject to weather conditions. Alternatively, if you are looking for something more formal, I can bring a mini-studio to you and create portraits against a backdrop of your choice. Or you can come to my studio in Marshall, VA. Indoor sessions can be done at any time of day, whatever the weather. Our prime consideration when choosing any location is your pet's safety and comfort. Next comes the boring part of signing a standard contract and paying a deposit, then we agree the date and off we go!
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been a photography freak since I was in my teens! Primarily self taught, I have, however, attended numerous photography workshops with Nikon, the annual Foundry Photojournalism Workshop with the world's best Photojournalists, and institutions like CUNY/New York Times. I continue to study in person with great photography mentors, take online courses to keep up with the latest technology, and attend pet and people photography workshops. I have even undertaken animal communication classes. I shoot with both Nikon and Fuji X systems. I am a member of the Royal Photographic Society, the Association of Professional Photographers and National Association of Press Photographers. I also work pro-bono for a number of animal shelters and am a member of HeARTs Speak, a global organization that pairs artists with local animal shelters to help raise their profile.